Episode 29 of Mergerspresso, Addleshaw Goddard’s corporate finance podcast, explores the growing proliferation of share buyback programmes across the public markets and why returning capital to shareholders has become a major strategic priority for listed companies.

Host Simon Wood is joined by guest Jeremy Cruse to discuss how buybacks have evolved from routine corporate housekeeping into a key feature of capital allocation strategy. They examine why boards are increasingly using buybacks to respond to shareholder expectations, support undervalued share prices and defend against opportunistic bidders and activist campaigns.

The episode also considers the balance between returning capital and investing for growth, particularly at a time when valuations and market sentiment are shifting. Simon and Jeremy discuss the importance of aligning buybacks with broader capital strategy, including dividends, leverage and long-term investment planning, and why disciplined execution remains critical to maintaining investor confidence.